Does Budapest-design piping sound enticing to you? Live in grandiose luxury with that and more in the Mercedes-Benz GLS Grand Edition.

We in America love our big SUVs. Cruising at 35,000 feet above the ground, lording over lesser motorists in their ordinary sedans and hatchbacks. Three rows of seats, all the cargo space you could ever need – what’s not to love? Just try not to mind the fact that you’re devouring a gallon of fuel every 18 miles or so.

Not that people who buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS class are particularly worried about fuel economy. And that’s a good thing, because the two-and-a-half ton family bus is about to get a little bit heavier. Mind you, it’s also getting much more luxurious, according to Mercedes-Benz.

[Photo: Mercedes-Benz]Cue the GLS Grand Edition. It’s like a normal GLS, except its draped with some extra words (and some fancier trim, besides). You’ll still be able to get the GLS in 3.0-liter V6 GLS450 or 4.6-liter GLS550 guise. Where the Grand Edition differs from the ordinary GLS is in exterior and interior adornments.

On the outside, the GLS Grand Edition looks virtually identical to the standard GLS, save some badging to distinguish it from the rest of the range. An Active LED Intelligent Light system comes standard on both models. The GLS450 comes standard with 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels, while the GLS550 literally goes one (inch) further, with 21-inch wheels.

Once you move inside, the GLS Grand Edition sets itself apart a bit more. The interior is a mix of Porcelain and Espresso Brown. Instead of just getting leather, you get “designo Nappa leather” seats with diamond quilting and highly-desirable Budapest-design piping. That’s not all, though. If you order the Grand Edition, Mercedes will also treat you to pore brown ash trim with accent lighting and a Nappa leather dashboard.

[Photo: Mercedes-Benz]

The Grandest GLS of them all?

You may find the accouterments a bit much. When a manufacturer goes to great lengths to emphasize the special “Budapest-design” piping, you know your wallet’s in for a kicking. Just how much, exactly? Mercedes-Benz hasn’t released official pricing on the GLS Grand Edition at time of writing. With a standard GLS450 starting at $89,770, we’d expect the grandness of the Grand Edition to cost a few thousand over standard MSRP.

The GLS Grand Edition will officially debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. If you’re anxious for some Budapest-design piping and Nappa leather, this special edition GLS will arrive in U.S. dealers by mid-2018.

Check back to TFLcar.com for more Detroit show news and updates. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest videos on your favorite new models! If the Grand Edition GLS450 or GLS550 just isn’t enough for you, check out Roman’s review of the top-dog GLS AMG 63 below:

Zach is a writer and Managing Editor for TFLcar. He has held a lifelong passion for cars, with a particular interest in hot hatchbacks and off-road rigs. Born and raised in Colorado, Zach holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from Colorado State University, and is based in Boulder, Colorado.